AB 10x (Oropeza) is a key air quality funding bill headed to Governor Davis' desk.  This bill would raise additional fees from stationary sources of pollution (including refineries, power plants) to pay for statewide regulatory activities to monitor, research and control pollution from these sources.  Given the cuts proposed in the Governor's budget to reduce funding for all environmental programs, including air quality, it is essential to raise new fee revenues to cover the gap.  This bill is our best chance to generate new revenue for air pollution control by implementing reasonable fees on air pollution sources.  AB 10x passed off the Assembly floor with no votes to spare (41) and industry is now working hard for a veto.  We need your help to urge Governor Davis to sign this important legislation to fund our state air programs.

Stationary sources, such as refineries, contribute 45% of California's sulfur oxide pollution, 20% of its nitrogen oxide pollution, and up to 50% of the ozone-causing chemicals released in the state.  Exposure to these pollutants causes significant health problems including: reduced lung function, increased asthma attacks, and worsening of respiratory illnesses such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis.  Stationary sources should pay their fair share for air pollution regulatory activities.